Local tattoo artist Kourtney Quick has garnered support among Hanceville residents ahead of Thursday’s city council meeting where officials are prepared to revisit a decision on whether or not to amend the city’s zoning ordinance to allow tattoo establishments.
Because tattoo facilities are not listed within the city’s zoning ordinance, they are not permitted to obtain a business license which would allow them to operate. Quick originally petitioned the council to amend the ordinance in May.
During its Thursday, June 27 meeting, councilmembers held off on approving a recommendation from the Hanceville Planning Commission which would allow tattoo shops within the city limits, after the proposal received pushback from councilmember John Stam.
Stam said he took issue with the proposal’s lack of a distance requirement which would prevent tattoo establishments from opening near churches or schools.
“If they’re going to go in by schools and churches, that’s a big no from me,” Stam said. “I have talked to some other people about this. I guess it’s more of a generational difference, but a lot of the older generation are skeptical about tattoo places, especially in the downtown area.”
Quick has already received permission to use a currently vacant side of Mann’s Garden Shop — located in close proximity to both St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church and First Baptist Church — from owner, Charlie Mann.
Quick has now started an online petition through change.org which has quickly gained the support from a number of residents.
“I am a 33 year-long resident of Hanceville, intimately woven into the fabric of our vibrant community. For the past 10 years, I’ve been a professional tattoo artist and given back every chance I’ve had. From participating in clothing and toy drives for local children to running tattoo specials where all proceeds were donated directly to those in need — I’ve made service a key part of my life. I am committed to Hanceville and want to further contribute by opening a private tattoo studio downtown,” the petition states.
As of press time Monday, July 8, the petition had surpassed its goal of 500 signatures.
Planning Commission President Nolan Bradford predicted the local response for the council from his first hand experience during the most recent commission meeting Monday, June 24.
“You’re going to have a lot of people who want this,” Bradford said.
The upcoming Hanceville City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11, at Hanceville City Hall. A work session will take place before the meeting at 5 p.m.